Manchester City starlet Carlos Borges is among the latest names to be linked with Nottingham Forest.
The Reds are said to have taken an interest in the 19-year-old as they plot their summer transfer business. ESPN report talks are at “a preliminary stage”, while it is unclear whether the Premier League champions would be prepared to sell the teenager or whether a loan would be more likely.
Style of play
Predominantly a left-winger, the Portuguese’s versatility makes him a useful asset. He is capable of playing across a front three, being just as skilful on either flank. It is his goal threat which really makes him stand out, however.
“He’s a very exciting, direct winger,” said City writer Joe Bray. “He can score goals, take on players, and link with other players in a versatile system. Twenty-nine goals and 18 assists shows his quality in front of goal, and he particularly worked well with opposite winger Dire Mebude.”
Borges finished as Premier League 2’s top goalscorer with 21 goals in the league last term. It saw him named the division’s Player of the Season as City clinched the title for the third year on the trot.
Should he make the switch to the City Ground, he would no doubt be immediately welcomed by Reds fans. After all, he scored twice against Derby County as the Under-21s triumphed 3-1 at Pride Park in the EFL Trophy last October.
Meanwhile, in an Under-21s Manchester derby, he netted four times and set up another in a 6-1 rout. His “blistering speed and clinical edge” caused Manchester United lots of problems.
Nevertheless, it was the defensive side of his game which was singled out by manager Brian Barry-Murphy afterwards. He told City’s in-house media (via the MEN): “For me, the performances where you work so hard for the team and you get your rewards doesn’t always happen, getting those goals and his defensive display was exceptional.
“That is a big area of improvement for him, his attacking qualities are obvious and there for all to see, and he was pretty clinical with the way he finished those chances. He is an exceptional lad and a great guy, so it is very important that we can push him in those areas where he needs to improve and that is the main part of his development really.”
Borges himself has previously said: “I watch Sadio Mane, he’s a top winger, a top player. I look up to him. He’s speedy, direct. He doesn’t do too much, he likes one-twos and when he needs to go, he goes.
“My job is to try to help the team out. I do that when I can. (A first-team call-up) would mean a lot, and I’ve been working for this basically my whole life. It’s not easy at this club but I’ve got to keep working and putting in the work. If we get the opportunity we have to take it.”